KERENS, Texas – Major Wilmer E. Latta, USAF Retired, 90, died from bladder cancer June 27, 2013, in his residence. He was born Dec. 26, 1922, in Burket, to Edwin R. and Rosa Anna Clabaugh Latta. On Jan. 10, 1951, in Muncie, he married June, who survives. In 1941, he graduated from Warsaw High School, where he was active in sports. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Air Force on the Pacific Front during World War II from 1942-46; the Korean War from 1951-53; and remained in the Air Force Reserves until 1972, attaining the rank of major. He was a member of the American Legion. He was a manager at Kroger, Muncie, and set up various stores for the company in different cities. He attended Ball State Teacher's College, receiving his bachelor’s degree as well as attaining a master’s degree. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He taught math and coached various sports at McKinley Junior High, Muncie. While there, he was honored for developing an Independent Study Program for math students. In 1973, he moved to Kerens, Texas. His teaching career continued at Collins Middle School in Corsicana where he was the first to develop and integrate computers he purchased to teach math students. He remained at Collins for 10 years. Later he taught geography at Navarro College. He ran a leather and tack manufacturing business from 1953 to 2007. He also worked on his horse and cattle operations in Indiana and Texas with the help of his wife and children. Also surviving are two sons, Brett (and spouse Barbara) and Bart (and spouse Sharon), all of Kerens; a daughter, Kim, Kerens; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Dolores M. Smith, Garden City, Mich., and Phyllis J. Kirkendall, Warsaw. He was preceded in death by a sister. Military graveside services are pending at Kerens City Cemetery. Calling is from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Paschal Funeral Home, Kerens. ***** Memorials may be made to Kerens Veterans Memorial Fund, c/o KESA, P.O. Box 5, Kerens, TX 75144.
